Here’s the truth about diamond prices.

Diamond prices are changing constantly, and there is no simple formula for pricing. As you learned in our Diamond Buying Guide, the cutting quality of a diamond can change a diamond’s price by as much as 40%! Two diamonds of exactly the same color, clarity and carat weight can vary widely in price. The most perfectly cut diamonds trade at a premium while more average cut diamonds trade for less. Poorly cut diamonds are often sold as a “real deal” in promotional low quality stores and major national chain jewelers. Because there is no official worldwide grade for cut, it is impossible to know the true value of a diamond until you actually see it.

So how much does a diamond actually cost?

You’re sure to have a budget in mind. How large and how fine a diamond can you afford given the budget? Well, we built our Diamond Pricing Calculator (above) to give you a clear idea of the size and quality range for every budget.

Beware of dealers with so called “wholesale” price sheets!

It’s a little like buying a car. Does anyone really believe a car dealer really loses money by selling at or below “Factory Invoice”? They laugh all the way to the bank! Jewelers and internet sites that claim similar pricing are often simply playing with the numbers. They use terms and phrases that sound like inside diamond dealers lingo, often claiming to sell at “wholesale” directly to the public. Because we all want the best price, there are many people who fall for the lure of a “deal”. Regardless of what you may hear from friends and so-called consumer advocates, diamond prices today have the lowest mark-up in history, and you will almost always get exactly what you pay for-- nothing more, nothing less. Like automobiles...no one sells a diamond at a loss!